When NASA’s space shuttle program ended in 2011, it marked the last of the iconic black and white orbiters seen landing on news channels. However, a new spacecraft is expected to catch everyone’s attention this year. This spaceplane is part of NASA’s latest mission to transport supplies to the International Space Station, or ISS. Unlike previous craft, it won’t have to fall into the ocean when it returns.
This new spaceplane, called “Tenacity,” has been created by a company named Sierra Space. The company got a contract from NASA in 2016 under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) program. The Tenacity is the first of the Sierra Space’s new fleet. The plan is for it to make at least seven trips carrying cargo to the ISS and back, with no crew onboard.
The Dream Chaser, as it’s commonly called, has been in development for many years. It might carry people in the future, but for now, it operates all by itself. Once launched, it’s controlled remotely from the Mission Control Center in Colorado till it touches the ISS. Tenacity, with a cargo module nicknamed “Shooting Star,” has the job of carrying roughly 12,000 pounds, about the weight of two Ford F-150 pickups, to the ISS. It can take a variety of cargo items, necessary supplies, new science gear, and replacement parts for the ISS.
Tenacity doesn’t need space for passengers, so there’s more room for cargo. Unlike spaceships with people, Tenacity doesn’t have any windows. It will also transport items that will be disposed of upon return to Earth. These items will be burnt up in the atmosphere while reentry.
Tenacity’s journey to the ISS is pretty exciting. It is transported to space inside a Vulcan rocket. Once in space, Tenacity follows particular steps to dock at the ISS. When it’s time to return, unlike the water sinking of older spacecraft, Tenacity lands like a plane on a NASA runway. This allows the cargo to be accessed more quickly, as it doesn’t have to be fished out of the sea.
This new spaceplane is not only about the same size as a small bus, but it’s also much smaller than the old space shuttles. Its compact size and folding wings make it easier to fit inside various types of rockets for launch.
Vocabulary List:
- Orbiters (noun): Spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body or space station.
- Spaceplane (noun): An aircraft designed for space travel.
- Resupply (verb): To replenish supplies or equipment.
- Cargo (noun): Goods or items being transported.
- Reentry (noun): The act of reentering the Earth's atmosphere from space.
- Dock (verb): To join or connect a spacecraft to a space station.
How much do you know?
